My body turns hot. Breathing is stagnated. Remember to breathe. The air somehow still flows. Keep talking, ignore the sudden drip. Please don't let there be a rive flowing freely from my armpit! Fingers and palms become clammy; suddenly feet are swimming inside shoes. My feet aren't webbed? Are they? I'm definitely not a frog - or maybe I am? Stream of consciousness.
A scent, fresh lavender. Oh crap. My Secret's out. I placed my hand on the desk, there's a fresh wet
imprint left. Yes, I am nervous. My stomach grumbles, or wait - was that my stomach? Oh please Lord, tell me I didn't ... good, I didn't. That the last thing I need kids teasing me about. Prayers under my breath,
Please let me do this right, Lord; don't let them laugh at me. Please Lord, let my zipper be zipped, and please, don't let me rip my pants. Crap, I knew I should have worn my Spanx.
My mind and body are at war.
A beaming smile: "Good Morning Class!"
Some moans, others cheerful: "Morning, Miss Aden." Thank you, God. "Let's get started."
The battle is over, my composure is at rest.
Here's a cheery song! Yay for a fabulous semester!
"What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from." -T.S. Eliot
The semester is winding down and I cannot believe how quickly this year has gone by. I liked this quote by Eliot because we are at the end of our educational careers, and when it is completed, that is where we will start from. I'm anxious and excited to see where my path lies, and what's ahead. I definitely wouldn't be where I am today without the love and support from those around me.
Like the friendship between Snoopy and Charlie Brown, I have been fortunate to create new friendships, and I am excited for their future's as educators, too.
As this semester has progressed I have learned more about myself and my philosophies and beliefs about what education is about. I have become a more confident individual, attending the career fair and bravely introducing myself to possible job prospects is an attestation to that alone.
Another lesson learned through my teaching and life experiences this semester that speaks for itself:
It's true - life is not fair, and we face many challenges as educators - human beings, learning that things are going to occur in life that just aren't fair. Maybe a few students have learned that lesson, too.
Most of all as an educator I have faith and believe in this saying - it speaks so loudly and clearly:
I can do what I can do, but I must stay positive, patient, and persistent!
Need some encouragement? I do! Here's a song that helps lift me up.
I'm looking forward to what is to come in completing this semester, and am ready to start anew in the spring!
The KATE conference was so beneficial! I was able to bond and get to know my fellow classmates more than I already do. I learned an immense amount of new information, and about some amazing possibilities that are out there for teachers. I interacted with a various group of English educators from diverse backgrounds.
I have to admit, I felt a bit out of place and awkward when I first sat down. Of course, when I saw my friend Chris, I felt assured that all will be well. A familiar face can make an unfamiliar setting much more comfortable. The first speaker, Brent Crawford, was an absolute riot. I had never laughed so hard at 8:00 in the morning in my entire life. I decided after hearing him read excerpts from his books to buy Carter Finally Gets It. I thought it was great that Watermark Books was selling the books from the authors that were there to speak. Brent Crawford definitely set the mood for the morning - and I was anxious to get started.
Our first session, Common Core Reading and Writing was a bit hard to grasp. The instructor assumed that everyone in the room was extremely familiar with the Common Core Standard (which most were, except us "newbies.") I had to say my enthusiasm was a bit diminished, but I didn't give up hope. I tried my best to understand everything that was being taught, and I looked forward to the sessions ahead of me.
The most beneficial session was Surviving Year One. The teacher was fairly young, and in her second or third year of teaching. She handed out a very thick packet, which was intimidating at first. However, this packet was full of useful information, sample hand-outs for sub plans, individual behavior plans, classroom behavior plans, rubrics, and insightful advice for first year teachers. I thought that the presentation was wonderfully done, and I feel better as I progress on to my first year of teaching. I enjoyed the presentation in its entirety; however, I would have liked to get pointers and advice for the job and interview process as a whole, with an emphasis on surviving the first year of teaching.
I absolutely enjoyed the Grammar Strip Tease - the title itself was intriguing, and the woman who did the presentation was lively and gave out a lot of helpful information when it comes to teaching grammar. I like her idea of "stripping" down the sentences, and having students decide which words are specific parts of speech.
Overall, I enjoyed the conference immensely. I felt that all of the sessions fit the interests of many teachers, which was wonderful. The only thing that was a bit distracting for me was the chairs that rocked. I found myself rocking back and forth vigorously, and sometimes in sync with Natalie Skidmore. A very funny looking scene, indeed. I hope that as I become a teacher I can return to the conference as a regular. I am so glad that I was able to take the time to participate and connect with so many other individuals that are as passionate about English Education as I am! :)
There is always someone who has impacted your life in one way or another. Sometimes we hope that we can make someone feel better, encourage a student to change their bad habits. My Genre Reflection is about a student who has made an impression on me, and I hope that I can help her realize that she is a wonderful person on the in and outside.
"No one knows for certain how much impact they have on the lives of other people. Sometimes, we have no clue. Yet we push it just the same." -- Hannah Baker, 13 Reasons Why
Be still young girl and smile Really, it's okay to let your face curve once in awhile And don't fret if you're ever unsure Never fear girl, let your voice be heard. Don't let them intimidate you. If only you would let your smile represent that you are true, then happiness and confidence would define you.
You must admit, there are days where this child's philosophy on life is so true!
School is definitely getting busier, which means the semester will be here and gone before you know it. As we're moving along in the weeks of the semester, I suffer the anxiety of balancing all of my responsibilities together. Taking multiple English courses on top of pre-student teaching is not an easy task, (Oh, not to fail to mention that I'm planning a wedding on top of this all - but that's a wonderful thing!) I am sure that my colleagues could concur to this statement. Getting out my agenda to check due dates from each class has become a real task that requires at least an hour to complete. I feel like my due dates are all aligning on the same day and that my planner is becoming one large ink blot. Granted, some individuals have an activity to alleviate their stresses; however, I try and I still feel like I carry a large burden on my shoulders. Do you know the signs of excessive stress? Not sure how to control it? If not, try this.
The crazy thing about feeling constantly stressed, is when the stress dissipates, I don't know what to do with myself. It never fails that after the first week of Christmas vacation I am ready to get back to the grind and doing what I do best.
A favorite song of mine to listen to when I get too stressed is Billy Joel's Vienna. I use music to help me get through my stress - it is a great type of catharsis for me!
I think it is so important that we remember to take care of our bodies, so we don't succumb to the unhealthy measures that stress can lead us to. I know that it has been so important to get enough sleep, because my mind and body just do not focus, and I lack so much energy. I feel like when I am lacking energy my students can feel and sense it, too. Sometimes I feel like it can easily rub off on them - which I definitely do not want that to happen!
Something else that has been on my mind as I have been going through this process is the importance of appearance. The saying "Dress for Success" has never been more true to my life. I know that dressing up for school makes me feel much more confident about myself. It is definitely a wonderful feeling when you not only feel good emotionally, but physically - and wow! what a difference it makes when I wear a dress, a nice blouse or a pair of some cute shoes. I guess we really have to "Dress for Success".
On a last side note, please remember me this weekend. I know some of you may have taken the Praxis tests, but I am taking the last required Praxis English content test and I really want to do well. Crossing my fingers! :o)
<---- If you ever get discouraged, just remember:
It's true, this journey seems
impossible; however in 8 months when our journey has
met its end, it will be done! Yay!
Let's be honest here, I'm a softy - I can't help it. I am a very happy person who doesn't have everything, but I have been blessed abundantly.
Well, there's a student in my classroom who sits all alone in the front row (a chair away from me). This individual hardly ever smiles, there seems to be a constant look of sadness, and loneliness on her face. It has been so hard for me to look at her without my something pulling at my compassionate teacher heart-strings. It has finally bugged me to the point where I gained some courage on Wednesday and asked this student, "Hey, ------! How is your day going? She looked at me with astonishment and said, "It's going fine, thanks". Well, Rome wasn't built in a day, at least I was able to get her to speak to me. I want all of the students to feel like they can talk to me without hesitation. Today, I tried my luck a bit more. I said, "Good morning, -----, How are you?" she replied, "Fine, thanks. You?" I replied "I'm doing well. Did you have a good week?" she said, "Yes, I did." I smiled and said "That's great!". I saw her sad face turn into a slight smile. Isn't is amazing how much better a simple smile can make someone feel? Well, this student doesn't keep eye contact with me; however I plan on breaking through her tough outer core and finding out who she is.
Sometimes I have to take a step back and look at situations with a different perspective. There could be something going on in this student's life that could be keeping her from opening up to others, or she could just be naturally shy. Like previously mentioned, my ultimate goal is to make my students feel absolutely comfortable speaking to me.
I was researching online about working with shy students. This website refers to children, but it can easily be transformed for shy teenagers as well.
I also found a quote that speaks so well about the importance of a simple smile:
"A smile costs nothing but gives much. It enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich or mighty that he cannot get along without it and none is so poor that he cannot be made rich by it. Yet a smile cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile. Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give. ~Author Unknown
My dear friends, if you see someone, whether it is a student, colleague, or a complete stranger that looks as if they are carrying the world on their shoulders, give them a smile. It will make a difference. J
Adieu and keep on smiling!
Ms. Aden
Oh, and how about a little music to cheer you up?
(Nothing like Nat King Cole to make you smile!)
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." - C.S. Lewis
How true is that? I am certain that I will be setting goals for the rest of my life. My classroom is currently writing an essay on what goals they have to become a successful student this semester.
As I step into the unknown world of Pre-Student teaching there are many aspirations that I have. As an authority and role model, my goals can also be a positive reflection to my students. I feel that this is important to remember as I venture into the classroom environment.
This may sound silly, but my first goal is to get adequate sleep at night. I have found out the hard way that lack of sleep makes it really hard to stay attentive and focused in the classroom; either as a student or teacher. I want to be able to supply to the academic needs of my students, and in order to do so I must be healthy, alert, and well-rested. I completely understand too that there will be good and bad days, but I always want to be positive and uplifting to my students, and getting enough rest is pertinent to do so.
Another important goal of mine is to remain confident when I stand up in front of the students. My nerves get the best of me sometimes. I have a tendency to sweat, and shake, which of course are natural impulses; however, I want to have more confidence in myself. I know that I have spent the last three years working hard at learning and understanding my subjects. Thus, I need to take that knowledge and be bold when I step in front of the classroom. This is what I have been waiting to do my entire life! I am looking forward to applying my knowledge to my students, and seeing how they respond.
I also desire to be more open and interactive with my students. Luckily, this goal has already been obtainable due to the generosity and trust of my CT. For instance, the students have recently been filling out a graphic organizer and have started writing rough draft essays over what they will do this semester to be successful students. My CT gave me a stamp to go around reading and approving the students’ graphic organizers. I feel immensely blessed that my CT and I have developed a trust between one another. There is no better encouragement than having multiple students raising their hands and asking “Ms. Aden” for help – this job is so rewarding! I have already learned so much from my CT, and cannot wait to see what else the future has to bring!
I feel that goals are a necessity; it is how we keep ourselves accountable for the things we do. Many people set a “New Year’s Resolution”, but in all honestly we should be setting goals daily, so that we are constantly improving ourselves.
Goal Reminder:
Get adequate sleep
Stay confident! Breathe
Be interactive
“It is always good to have an end to journey toward;
I am looking forward to the start of a wonderful semester of pre-student teaching. I am sure there will be an abundance of learning and growing experiences. It is amazing to finally be fulfilling and walking in these "teacher-shoes" that I have been dreaming of wearing since I was a very young girl.
I was introduced to a new, exciting resource to use and incorporate classroom rules with one word. If a word is mentioned more than once it becomes larger in font, check this out!
